Investigation the Influence of adding Nano –Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia (NZrO2-5wt%YPSZ) on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Building materials showed remarkable progress, as many methods were used to enhance their properties, such as nanomaterials which have played a major role in this field. This research reveals the complex integration of nano-zirconi (NZrO2-5wt%YPSZ). as with concrete and its effect on the different mechanical properties. The main objective of this research is to reduce the porosity of concrete by adding doses of nano-zirconia to the concrete mixture to enhance the microstructure, which enhances its mechanical properties. The results showed that the addition of nano-zirconia decreased concrete slump, and also increased the rates of absorption and porosity due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles. The compressive strength increased to reach 30, 47.5, and 60 MPa at the ages of 7, 28, and 90 days, respectively. The splitting tensile strength increased when the zirconia content was increased, reaching its highest level when substituting 0.7wt% when compared with the reference mixture. In summary, the current study sheds light on the effect of nano-zirconia on the mechanical properties of concrete by filling the pores, which enhances its microstructure because it reshapes the complex texture of the concrete mixture

Artificial neural network application to the friction-stir welding of aluminum plates

ARCAKLIOGLU, Erol/0000-0001-8073-5207WOS: 000242785600009An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed for the analysis and simulation of the correlation between the friction stir welding (FSW) parameters of aluminium (Al) plates and mechanical properties. The input parameters of the model consist of weld speed and tool rotation speed (TRS). The outputs of the ANN model include property parameters namely: tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, hardness of weld metal and hardness of heat effected zone (HAZ). Good performance of the ANN model was achieved. The model can be used to calculate mechanical properties of welded Al plates as functions of weld speed and TRS. The combined influence of weld speed and TRS on the mechanical properties of welded Al plates was simulated. A comparison was made between measured and calculated data. The calculated results were in good agreement with measured data. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Evaluation of Respiratory Function in Patients with Epileptic Seizures

Objectives: Respiratory problems increase the number of epileptic seizures in individuals with epileptic seizures. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the number of seizures, sleep quality, and respiratory problems by evaluating the changes in respiratory parameters of epileptic patients.Methods:Thirty individuals aged 18–40 years with generalized epilepsy were included in the study. Demographic data, number of seizures per week, pulse and blood pressure measurements, age of seizures, and body mass index were recorded. Dyspnea with mMRC; pulmonary function test; level of physical activity (PA) with International physical activity assessment survey (IPAQ); mouth pressure measuring device with respiratory muscle strength; and sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were evaluated.Results:Thirty patients with epileptic seizures (mean age: 26.56±6.64 years) were included in the study. The mean; % maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) 67.44, %Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) 35.14, MIP 70.47, and MEP 62.24 cmH2 O were found. The forced expiratory volumes/ forced vital capacity (FEV1 /FVC) (41.01%) and FEV1 (62.50%; 2.56 L) was found lower than the standards. The positive correlation between the MEP, MIP, FEV1 (L), and severe PA was found. FVC with sitting, FEV1 (L) with moderate PA, and FEV1 /FVC (%) with PSQI, sitting with educational status were positively correlated (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the %MIP and a systolic blood pressure; MIP, MEP (% and cmH2O) with diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05), and a positive correlation between the %MEP and SpO2 (p<0.05).Conclusion:As a result, respiratory function, PA, and the sleep quality of individuals with epilepsy were affected. Respiratory muscle training, PA programs, and behavioral changes should be added to the medical treatment programs of these individuals

Tungsten carbide thin films for electrochemical water splitting studies

We used wet-chemistry techniques to prepare colloidal tungsten (W) nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesis of W NPs was conducted using the so called hot-matrix method in 1-octadecene [1]. The sizes of obtained W NPs are in the order of 2 - 5 nm. These W NPs are coated with hydrophobic molecules which allow their dispersion in organic solvents like choloroform (CHCl3). It was found that the colloidal stability of the dispersions is exceptionally high exceeding several years. The stability of W NPs which prevents coagulation allows the preparation of thin films with uniform thicknesses by spin-coating, inkjet-printing and spray coating. We have prepared tungsten carbide (W2C, WC) thin films. The preparation of W2C and WC was achieved by spin-coating of pre-synthesized W NPs on graphite substrate and following heat treatment under Ar atmosphere at 1000 and 1450°C. The obtained W2C and WC films were used both in electrochemical water splitting studies. We also made a composite W2C-Pt films where we used only 5 at.% of Pt. The W2C-Pt composite has shown similar performance as pure Pt-C for hydrogen (H2) evolution. In conclusion, we have developed a procedure for the synthesis of W NPs which can be applied for the preparation of tungsten carbides films and their use for electrochemical water splitting